Hamlet - in 4 Minutes

A visual explanation of the plot of Hamlet, a play by William Shakespeare.
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Created with Toon Boom Studio 8.1, a Wacom Intuos Pen Tablet, and a Blue Yeti microphone.
Images are from the 1996 film adaptation of Hamlet, directed by Kenneth Branagh.

[@emmamarlow5523]

"Claudius is not feeling terribly safe at this point."

[@prawiraagung4011]

and so he sent hamlet to brazil

[@undeadpharoah]

English homework, DONE!

[@Verxnify]

Lol

[@technikal270]

Thats why i was here too bro lol

[@itxch1]

Im doing it now LOL

[@protoeuropeanhistorian7369]

Tormund Giantsbane Me aswell wilding

[@mauricioavalos7490]

Hahaha thats right

[@Anznz1]

Just wanted to let you know that this actually helped me with my theater class. Thanks :)

[@AltShiftX]

Alex Cheers

[@SingingSealRiana]

there is a great song about it to, sadly in german so not that helpful to most but it helps with recalling the weird names ^^ Hamlet by the wise guys

[@rohaankhan7523]

So how is it going right now

[@wazzlopiok240]

@@AltShiftX can you cover calculus next

[@viderevero1338]

​@@rohaankhan7523 Lmao. They're not even in school anymore. Might even have kids now.

[@animals523]

That is the best, shortest, straight-to-the-point description I've ever seen. I loved the picture explanation and the thought provoking questions at the end. I would love to see all of Shakespeare's works done like this so kids could understand the story concept first before diving into William's wonderful world of words. Thank you so much! A+

[@LTJProductionOfficial]

"Hey Claudius, you killed my father. BIG MISTAKE" - Hamlet

[@allisonroggen7773]

My name is Hamlet. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

[@faisalkamal4319]

Claudius I have killed many father's who specifically

[@kritiandsiddharthaswedding]

My name is Hamlet, you killed my father now prepare to die!

[@tjsMAR]

"stay thy hand, fair prince" *Hamlet pulls out machine gun, "Who says im fair?"

[@zandyzain6241]

"To be or Not To Be" "Not To Be"

[@trappinbrycee1012]

1:44 hating someone so much to NOT kill them just so they don’t go to heaven is S tier hating

[@strengthpulse]

Fr

[@GTAram855]

So, a a quick resume of Hamlet: Everybody dies, and a Prince Ex Machina appears at the end to take the throne

[@S_Warden]

Well they set it up in the first app

[@OfficialRedTeamReview]

could've used this couple of years ago lol

[@AltShiftX]

+Reilly James Hey, I'm replying here because some Google+ nonsense prevents me from responding to your comment directly. Yes, I'd like to make a video about Melisandre, though I have no specific plans for one at the moment. Maybe as part of a broader video about Azor Ahai.

[@reillyfreeman9866]

👍, thanks for the reply

[@timnakatz8843]

I would really love to know more about Azor Ahai or the prince that was promised or Aegon Targaryen VI or The Night King. Any of these would be awesome, the way you layout the video is great, best theory site by far. Your channel is the only one I'm subscribed to :)

[@mrthatguyam]

Talk about the Polinious master plot and how he was the one who tried to get Fortinbras on the Throne.

[@Walrus-x5f]

Alt Shift X your videos are all awesome!!! PLEASE do a video anaylsing the questions you just asked at the end of this hamlet video (why does hamlet take so long to act, how much does gretude know etc). and PLEASE do ASOIAF Theory related to the letter Robb Stark had sent to Howland Reed!!!

[@vetsjevetsje4370]

Is this a tru story?

[@AtomicSquid_]

Oh man I love GoT but these educational videos are amazing, you explain everything briefly yet thoroughly. I loved the brain scan video. Make more of these please!

[@AltShiftX]

+Matt Bohorquez Cheers man! Yeah I hope to do more educational stuff in future.

[@juliabrandon5779]

I wanted to write to tell you that I linked this video in my literature class, and all who have watched it have really enjoyed it, so thank you for the topic starter; makes class pass by a bit faster if there is something interesting to talk about. I love all of your ASOIAF videos, but I think this is my favorite that you have done. I was wondering if you would consider doing more of these? I think that Othello or The Cask of Amontillado would be awesome, and I would love to see your explanations of these. Have a wonderful day!

[@AltShiftX]

Julia Brandon Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful. Yeah, there'll probably be more literature summary videos in the future.

[@iFeloh]

Thank. You. So. Much.

[@natsudragneeljaydee1055]

"Hello..... my Name is Hamlet of Denmark!!!!! You kill my father....prepare to die!!!!!" Indigo Hamlet Montoya

[@mehis_meh2110]

Naxus {teen} YESS!

[@jennifergrasso8795]

Yes, definitely do more like this. I struggled so much with Shakespeare so back in my school days so this refresher is great for me.

[@farcastk0]

Was this before or after the Targaryen conquest?

[@akrybion]

farcastk0 After, Hamlet is really a Targaryan king, the son of Rhaegar and his love interest. Although I think they will skip him in the show.

[@evilthecat13]

Which one?

[@The7nUp]

This was right after, Daenerys targaryen Dies, when Tyrion tries to rape her and in a forced turn of events she falls into precipice, course she did not die right then and there, but was later cannibalized by a group of wild Chimps from Hyrule...

[@fuckingbeast9915]

Hilarious 😆

[@faisalkamal4319]

Hamlet is true Targaryen and Azor Ahai

[@finn_underwood]

This video is abosulutely brilliant. I can now go into class tomorow and act like a smartassin in the discussions because I allready know what happens before we even start reading.

[@MercuryManProduction]

I love this kind of stuff. Don't get me wrong, all the ASOIAF theories are great, but so was this. I just love the style with which you animate and narrate your videos. I will watch your videos, no matter what the subject it. Keep up the good work.

[@monikasimova5724]

Omg thanks! I just finished reading Hamlet for my literature exam and needed some clarifications :D Greetings from Czech Republic:)

[@penderbayne]

Awesome, could have been 20 minutes longer. And regarding your question at the end: please listen to your heart and put out whatever content you’re personally deeply convicted about. Don’t worry so much about what we want, you’re our leader in this micro community and it’s your artistic sensibilities which guide the direction.

[@Claudius_Ptolemy]

This is genuinely one of the best summary videos I have seen, I think you should make more of these on Shakespeare's plays.

[@adamcauble3674]

I'd like to see more summaries like this! Legit this was the most concise and straightforward summary!

[@Dr-Med]

Really great for students who are covering one of Shakespeare's works in class as it can be helpful to reference other plays. I'd love more of these about any classic works of literature.

[@yomommie]

Watching this 8 years after it was posted after finishing station eleven where one of the main themes was Hamlet and that the things done in the past have an effect today. Thanks Alt Shift X for all the knowledge over the years especially this one.

[@ingrid2029]

Love this clip! The quotes you give as it progresses are a really helpful and the summary of questions at the end are thought-provoking! 10/10😊

[@clasencoach]

Wow, no wonder I have always felt overwhelmed by this classic. Your speed-walk-through at least helped me get a certain grasp on what is going on. Tagline: ‘It's complicated’.

[@mirayoquese8608]

So Hamlet is Azor Ahai?

[@davidkglevi]

As director/actor, I'm planning to put on a production of Hamlet in the summer of 2018, and this was a really fun summary. It's always intresting to hear would different people choose to pinpoint in Hamlet, since it's so nuanced and rich.

[@someonelol4771]

did you end up making it

[@davidkglevi]

@@someonelol4771 Unfortunately not. I haven't done it yet, I have done some other Shakespeare plays instead, though. And I also lecture on Shakespeare from time to time, so he is ever present.

[@NoName-lw1jn]

Got an exam tomorrow.. this short summary will save my life

[@SniebeI]

Been watching the got videos for months now and while prepping for a literature exam this video got recommended. Didn't look at who if was from, recognised the voice and was so surprised. Thanks for the help!

[@Gigi-rj6pp]

This is perfect! I have an audition for Hamlet today and I’m very nervous because I’m having a hard time understanding the story. This helped me make acting choices that make more sense

[@davehan241]

You should cover Station Eleven. They're all about the hamlet. Even 8 years on, this video is still a winner.

[@Carlossantosftw]

Wow, this was amazing, this saved me the trouble of watching the whole hamlet play for my next assignment. Thanks!!

[@treystaton282]

Alt Shift X You really have a gift. I look forward to all of your videos and you should do other series and explain them. You could make some serious money and help a lot of people with Shakespeare and other hard to read novels. Hamlet was amazing.

[@eleanorpfeferman1608]

2023, yes, we do want more content like this!

[@AuntieNise]

This was fab. Seeing it for the first time and I feel perfectly prepared to enjoy it. Thanks so much.

[@YeahhBoyee]

Great video man! Im hyped for that Podrick video too though, lol

[@AltShiftX]

***** Haha one day.

[@joncbs]

***** Podrick is Azor Ahai, calling it right here and now

[@matthewgoodman7588]

+Yeahh Boyee POD the ROD

[@LuxiBelle]

What if Hamlet is Azor Ahai?

[@tobiashatzebruch2407]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Alex-wm2hk]

that might actually make sense :D if you see the scene in which hamlet talks to his father's ghost for the first time as him being reborn as a person with a new purpose. so the criteria are: -born under the bleeding star: his father was a beloved king, so star and he is dead, so bleeding and since he is a ghost at the time possibly floating above him. - amidst salt and smoke: most productions have some sort of smoke on stage when the ghost appears and it is also said in the text that the ghost leads hamlet to a cliff, to the sea, which is salty. - the red/bruning sword: here it gets tricky. hamlet does carry a sword a befits a nobleman of his time but we never get a detailed description of it. it might very well be red. but later he fights with another, poisoned sword. poison burns through the body and that sword also brings the play and the characters to their just end. - he needs a sacrifice: that would be either love itself or ophelia as a symbol of love. he gives her up and lets her die. it could also be himself if you say that the sword at the end only becomes lightbringer after hamlet has been stabbed with it, so his own life could be the sacrifice. -descended from the targaryens: like asoif, hamlet is plays in an alternate version of european history, now if we say that after the long night and the dawn and everything the world has been rebuilt then hamlet could be a descendent of daenerys. his hair after all is suspiciously blonde. so yes hamlet might be azor ahai after all, just like ser pounce :D

[@teeja.meister8708]

Go away joffrey go back to oblivion

[@Zoldyck08]

This summary is great. I hope this video will guide me to our recit tomorrow.

[@warrengday]

Very good. Glad you used the Brannagh pictures. BTW The Ghost appears before R&G talk to Hamlet.

[@brittneystewart723]

I love this guys voice .... I could just learn an listen all day.

[@redwarpaint]

This is great, I'd love to see more summaries of classic novels and plays like this! Your style is perfect for distilling complex narratives in a fun and entertaining way. I'd be curious to see you tackle something like Catch-22!

[@theduckarmy1560]

Omg thank you! You saved me on my quarantine homework. The only thing i need to do now is find 6 main points. This was a life saver

[@zanastumasonis]

out of all the summaries, this was the most clear. thanks!

[@SonnyNeal_]

Please do more of these kind of videos, genuinely interesting. Any chance you could do some of actual historical figures/events?

[@AltShiftX]

Sonny Neal Yup, I'm working on a history video.

Alt Shift X guess you never made that video...

[@katecrawford8327]

Great, thank you. This will make Hamlet accessible for my ESL students.

[@nikola9999100]

Good job! This really helped me after literally not understanding a God damn thing when reading the actual book, you really did a great job with this video!

[@moxbagel]

Loved this. I'd like some exploration of various theories into Shakespearean plays in order to explore some of the depth there.

[@shortcakes7077]

The Lion King was based off of Hamlet. That's why I love it ^ ^

[@ildlyn8966]

ok

[@SafwanNet]

ahh

[@Whitney2022]

Zelber Wold omg never noticed that 😅

[@Gareth-410]

I've always heard that but I genuinely don't see many similarities.

[@MonsieurMaskedMan]

@@deadly_creature kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWalYqB_m7aopZY kzbin.info/aero/PLEkZLd7rtcBIEzmkA5jQgUflbu0WRRkA5

[@kareneastman9552]

More Shakespear. Please. Wonderful job! A+!

[@aaaa_20aaaa]

Our professor told us to do a simple essay about Gertrude. I learned the major events but still didn't read the entire story, but this video definitely helped!!

[@babyb3an3]

Thanks now days of reading was rounded up in 4 minutes thank you🙏🏾

[@looseho]

I half expected a quick postscript to this video to say: "Oh, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are dead", just like the small PS they get in the play. There are some truly great lines and expressions in Hamlet. This summary's great.

[@ticleasorin3223]

This was amazingly good. I didn't expect this good of a video when clicking on it. Well done, good sir.

[@hazymorning1823]

I'd like to see more of this type of video!

[@SameDaySharpening]

Thank you for all your hard work on making these! They're really good!

[@delilah_md-phd]

Please do more William Shakespeare videos. It's helping me.

[@victorhristov7489]

This shit took me whole summer to read and you explained it in 4 miutes... Congrats

[@MistaSmith]

I watched three summaries and this is the best. So yes, more!

[@DiaXisHD]

Please make more of this if possible.

[@Eggplanet96]

THIS WAS AMAZING pls do more of these. I have to read hamlet and now I have an idea of what's going on!

[@LaLeeRu]

This is Brilliant! Please, please, please explain more Shakespearean plays! Thank you!

[@lukaslambs5780]

I’d love to see Alt Schwift X talk about this, I think his insight would really hit home 6 years later.

[@drjaydeepchakrabarty]

An excellent and flawless summary. More like this

[@qwertyraoul]

Really great video, it has inspired me to finally read Hamlet. I hope to find an answer to all to questions you asked at the end.

[@stuffedanimalgf]

PERFRCT! thank you so much for also including quotes!!!

[@dirtysheepdog]

Wish i had found this video 8 years ago when i needed it

[@Sahebaaz75]

Came here to know the original story after watching the Masterpiece "Haider". What an adaptation!

[@mayankbisht7691]

Bismil Bismil Bulbul e Bismil

[@myopenmind527]

Love the GOT PLAYLIST but really think you should tackle all of Shakespeare's plays too (no pressure!) Thanks for the superb Hamlet summary. 👍

[@loganagle746]

Can you make more videos like this where you summarize classic literature, potentially more Shakespeare, during the off-season for Game of Thrones? As much as everyone loves your GoT videos and as great as they are, I would love to see some alternate content on your channel during the off-season, and the Internet needs more videos like this. Any chance you will pursue that in the near future? Videos like these are a great benefit when it comes to the average joe becoming more educated on the history of literature.

[@tomsandstrom338]

This video just saved my life.

[@weraarias9255]

The Ice Viper

[@ELMsAnightmare]

I had to connect a book about people performing Hamlet to the original Hamlet but I didn't know anything about it, so thanks for this very helpful video

[@rockybalboa6626]

One of my favourite Shakespeare plays

[@Arkee_san]

There’s an Indian adaptation called “Haider”, it’s an interesting take on hamlet and the setting is in disputed Kashmir, it’s one of the best modern adaptation of this play.

[@brainwasher9876]

Kudos for using the celebrated Branagh version's photos.

[@m1punk]

What is this Hamlet and Shakespeare you speak of? New characters in the latest GoT book?

[@AltShiftX]

***** They must be from Sothoryos or something..

[@tictacufo3326]

Alt Shift X lol lol lol

[@merrittanimation7721]

Alt Shift X I'd think they'd be from the Iron Islands

[@jamesalvarez8733]

Reference to hamlet: Slavery was the main cause and driving factor of the war with Mexico and the Texas revolt. Had it not existed in our country likely there would not have been a desire for new territory for the cultivation of cotton and sugar or the market of slaves, and thus no strife with Mexico. If you read the war with Mexico reviewed by Abiel Livermore or even the anti Texas legion by Benjamin Lundy, it describes this as the factor without doubt or controversy, it would be like watching the play of hamlet, with hamlet ommitted from the play, an exact quote of the reference of slavery with the Texas revolution and war with Mexico.

[@fredbuchanan3060]

Kenneth Brannagh's film is superb. One of the best films ever made.

[@artmarashli]

Wow i would watch this all day, crazy good job and well done. Short informative and fun. Just good job!

[@seeker296]

my history class: *4 weeks of hamlet* Alt shift x: "hold my tuition"

[@ozaseph]

You have an amazing voice for commentating stuff (:

[@SaintHierophant]

I would like to see more summaries like this.

[@mr.himanshu8707]

really appreciating... awesome... short yet brief description... keep going

[@asyoz]

I would love to see more literature videos, and more Shakespeare videos. If you're taking votes - please do Merchant of Venice next, it's one of my favourite books. :D

[@darkmacintosh]

Reading this in my AP Lit. class right now, thanks!!

[@toosinbeymen6304]

Love it. Good stuff. Nice work, Alt Shift X.

[@danielveres4351]

If I happen to pass my literaure exam tomorrow, it will be because of KZbin and videos like this.

[@mint6129]

Here for english class!! Thanks for this coz this should help me a lot

[@cm-zi3hl]

It poped out at my feed! But it is really fun to introduce this literature to me!!

[@NikiGamer123]

Dawg listening this 5 mins before class 💀🔫

[@jasleenbharij9030]

It's great...thanks for preparing me for tomorrow's Shakespeare class

[@butteredchefcheeks928]

Perfect run time, if at all intended. But superb nonetheless, as this whole series is *chefs kiss*

[@AnthroKnowledgey]

I never really understood what all of the Shakespeare hubbub was about until I read Hamlet. Its one of those tales that makes you love and know good storytelling.

[@ranrann9153]

Wow, that was amazingly explained 👍

[@cameronmckelvie81]

Love the video man, would love to see more like this!

[@King_Steffon_II]

love all your videos +Alt Shift X

[@andreja.1846]

I have Hamlet for tomorrow, this video helped me with the storyline, thank you so much. Bye.

[@FakeAnarchist]

It's an excellent vid sir, same goes for Game of Thrones, I'd also like to see something like this for Macbeth. And also for Othello and King Lear, two works I never got to read in high school.

[@bittermelonleaf]

Please please make more of these videos!

[@rezaaghaei463]

thank you so much. I​ just learn Hamlet with your video

[@desmondamaree7796]

Nice little Hamlet Summary. Love to see you do Titus Andronicus or Macbeth. thanks.